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While you’re expecting, it’s normal for your body to undergo numerous changes. As that happens, you will also start finding it hard to get good-quality sleep. The added weight and back pain makes any sleep position feel uncomfortable. The best way to alleviate this is by sleeping with a pregnancy pillow.
In this article, we’ll share our top 5 picks for the best pregnancy pillow products that are designed to deliver the best support and comfort for all the expecting mums out there!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: bbhugme Adjustable Pregnancy Pillow
Best Pregnancy Body Pillow: Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow
Best Wedge Pillow for Side Sleepers: Belly Bandit S.O.S. Side Sleeper Pregnancy Wedge Body Pillow
Best Cooling Pillow: Frida Mom Adjustable Keep-Cool Pregnancy Pillow
Best Budget: Momcozy Huggable U-Shaped Maternity Body Pillow
What is a Pregnancy Pillow?
A pregnancy pillow is a specialized pillow that is made to provide good body support and comfort for pregnant women. It can help to alleviate the common discomfort that happens during pregnancy such as lower back pain, and hip pain, and improve overall sleep quality [1].
Types of Pregnancy Pillows
Pregnancy pillows typically come in various shapes and sizes to support individual needs and sleep positions.
The most common types of pregnancy pillows include [1]:
- U-shaped pillows
- C-shaped pillows
- J-shaped pillows
- Wedge pillows
- Full body pillows
- Nursing pillows
List of 5 Best Pregnancy Pillows
Here is a list of the 5 best pregnancy pillows for expecting mums to consider. This list has been carefully selected and put together based on user ratings, features, and affordability.
1. Best Overall: bbhugme Adjustable Pregnancy Pillow
The bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow is designed to provide full body support throughout pregnancy. Developed by health professionals, it is made to give you the ability to mold the pillow into the shape that you want for good sleep.
Additionally, it helps with aligning the spine and relieving pressure on 5 areas— stomach, back, pelvis, knees, and ankles if you are in a side sleeping position or any others. What’s more, it’s highly cooling and comes with washable covers that are 95% cotton and 5% spandex jersey fabric for easy maintenance. This pillow is perfect for mums who require high-quality care and support.
User rating: 4.2/5 Stars
Features:
- Adjustable firmness
- Pressure-relieving body support
- Washable covers
- Mold pillows to the desired shape
- Travel bag included
Price: $219
| Pros | Cons |
| Ideal for all sleeping positions | High price point |
| Versatile pillow design | May need constant adjusting |
2. Best Pregnancy Body Pillow: Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow
The Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow is designed to provide full body support from head to toe. It’s angled to support your head and neck, relieving any shoulder pressure. At the same time, it curves to match the alignment of your spine and legs as you lay on your side. Made from soft, breathable fabric, this pillow is designed to support the needs of pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy.
User rating: 4.2/5 Stars
Features:
- Full body support
- Machine washable cover
- Contoured design
Price: $55
| Pros | Cons |
| Made with hypoallergenic materials | Possibly inadequate belly support in late stages |
| Great for side sleeping | Less firm than other pillows |
| Compact and non-bulky | Users report that it flattens over time |
3. Best Wedge Pillow for Side Sleepers: Belly Bandit S.O.S. Side Sleeper Pregnancy Wedge Body Pillow
The Belly Bandit S.O.S. Side Sleeper Pregnancy Wedge is specifically designed to help expecting mums maintain a comfortable side-sleeping position throughout pregnancy. This compact and supportive wedge prevents rolling onto the back and provides targeted support for the belly and lower back. Its dual-wedge design helps reduce strain on pressure points, while the breathable fabric keeps you cool and comfortable all night.
User rating: 4.3/5 Stars
Features:
- Dual support design
- Doctor designed for safety
- Compact and portable
- Made with soft, washable materials
Price: $89.95
| Pros | Cons |
| Helps with pain relief | Not a full-body pillow |
| Helps to stay on the side | Foam does not hold up |
| Portable for travel | Can be uncomfortable due to the velcro edges |
4. Best Cooling Pillow: Frida Mom Adjustable Keep-Cool Pregnancy Pillow
The Frida Mom Pillow is one of the best cooling pillows for expecting mums who tend to overheat at night. Designed with a cooling breathable fabric and microbead filling, it helps to regulate body temperature. Additionally, it is made adjustable so that you can bend, twist, and shape it into your desired shape or position for maximum support.
This pillow is rated good overall for mums who are looking for a maternity pillow that can provide a cooler sleep at night.
User Rating: 4.3/5 Stars
Features:
- 2-in-1 adjustable design for support
- Cooling, breathable fabric to prevent overheating
- Lightweight and compact
- Removable cover that is machine washable
Price: $54.99
| Pros | Cons |
| Not too expensive | Bead filling constantly shifts |
| Cooling fabric and filling | Requires multiple adjustments |
| Highly adjustable | Some users report a weird smell |
| Compact |
5. Best Budget: Momcozy Huggable U-Shaped Maternity Body Pillow
This Momcozy full-body pillow is an excellent budget-friendly option for mums who are looking for full-body support without having to spend too much. Its ergonomic design conforms to your body, ensuring that you have adequate support from your head to your toes. This helps to prevent common pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, hip pain, and leg swelling.
Additionally, it is made with soft, breathable fabric which helps you to stay comfortable all night long. Whether you need to change positions, read, or watch television while in bed, this pillow provides the perfect balance of support you need.
User Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Features:
- Ergonomic design
- Premium polyester fill
- Multi-purpose use
Price: $44.99
| Pros | Cons |
| Suitable for side and back sleepers | Filling is not even throughout |
| Budget-friendly | Slightly on the firmer side |
| Helps with pregnancy discomfort | Takes up a lot of space |
| U shape for full body support | Not cooling for some users |
Benefits of Using a Pregnancy Pillow
We know that sleep is generally important for our overall well-being but even more so when it means caring for another person.
Using a pregnancy pillow offers several advantages including [2]:
1. Encouraging better sleep quality
It’s often hard for pregnant women to get good quality sleep, especially in the last trimester. Not being able to find a good position and the pure exhaustion and fatigue from carrying a baby in your belly are common reasons for poor sleep.
Pregnancy pillows offer some relief in terms of providing full body support and helping to take some of the pressure off while you sleep at night.
2. Enhance blood circulation
Another thing is that lying in a side sleeping position tends to help improve blood circulation. However, being pregnant can make it difficult for you to do so. Luckily, a pregnancy pillow can help you to continue sleeping on your side even when the belly continues to grow.
3. Optimizes sleep position
Pregnancy pillows are also designed to support you in any way that you need. You can use it to prop your feet up to reduce swelling, elevate your body to prevent acid reflux or get into a more comfortable position when the baby starts kicking.
4. Alleviates body aches or pains
Back aches and pains are very common during pregnancy due to the increasing weight throughout pregnancy. Using a pregnancy pillow provides good back support and helps to relax the muscles so that it is easier for you to drift off to sleep.
5. Reduces snoring
As pregnancy starts to progress into the second trimester or third trimester, many women may experience increased pressure in their airways or nasal congestion. This can lead to snoring which can be disruptive for sleep. A pregnancy pillow can help to elevate the head and open up the airways for better breathing.
Also, it can be particularly useful for expecting mums who may be dealing with a condition called sleep apnea.
What month should I get a pregnancy pillow?
There isn’t a specific month as to when you should start using a pregnancy pillow. You can start using one if you feel like you need extra support or struggle to find a comfortable position while sleeping.
You may choose to get it as early as in your first trimester or later into your second or third trimester.
Choosing the Right Pregnancy Pillow for Sleep
When trying to find the best pregnancy pillow for a restful sleep, here are some factors that you may want to consider:
- Size and shape of pillow: Ideally, you should opt for a pillow that fits your body and can provide adequate support for the whole body, from the neck down to the knees.
- Comfort and breathability: Choose a pillow that is made from a soft and breathable material such as cotton or bamboo.
- Filling material: It would be best if the filling type of your pillow is filled with a supportive or comfortable material such as memory foam or microbeads.
- User reviews and recommendations: Try to look for pillows that are highly rated or recommended by other expecting women. You may also seek recommendations from close friends or family.
Tips on Using a Pregnancy Pillow for The Best Comfort
Here are some tips on how you can use a pregnancy pillow for maximum comfort:
- Use the pillow to support your entire body, from the neck to the knees.
- Adjust the pillow to provide the right support for your sleeping position.
- Use the pillow to support your belly and back during pregnancy.
- Use the pillow to support your back and legs during breastfeeding and bonding with the baby.
Conclusion
A pregnancy pillow is a must-have item for any woman during the various stages of pregnancy. Finding the right one can help to improve sleep quality and reduce the discomfort that most women would experience especially in the second and third trimesters. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s always a pillow that will suit your needs and preferences.
To support you on a comfortable and stress-free pregnancy journey, consider using the ShutEye® app. ShutEye is a sleep-tracking app that helps monitor your sleep quality and offers personalized recommendations to help you improve it.
